What should happen at midwife appointments?

[Inapickle123]

Hi,

I'm hoping someone can help.

I'm 29 weeks along with baby 1 and I'm just wondering what exactly should happen at midwife appointments. My husband and I just smile and nod as we get spoken at as we just don't want to make a fuss!

My 24 and 29 week appointments have both been really quick; bloods, wee, measure and listen of the heartbeat. We asked today (29 weeks) when we should be going to antenatal appointments and the midwife was shocked that this hasn't been previously arranged. I'm now wondering if anything else has been missed!!

Will I get a "dedicated" midwife at somepoint? I've never seen the same person twice and I'm wondering who exactly I'm to call if I need something.

When will I discuss birth plans, especially considering there is likely to be complications due to an underlying health problem?

In short, what questions should I be asking at my 32/34/36 week appointments? It sounds really naive but we've gone down the "ignorance is bliss" route as this has taken us by surprise and we don't want to worry about all the things that could go wrong. As such, my reading on pregnancy is completely non-existent!

Thanks!

I was lucky enough to see the same midwife all the way through my pregnancy. My appointments were pretty quick to. Quick chat, measure, test urine, blood pressure, listen to heartbeat. In and out in less than 15 minutes.

Had my first pregnancy last year (twins) and I saw a consultant & midwife at the hospital every 4 weeks and they did the same as the surgery midwife (plus scan). Consultant answered most my questions and discussed birth with me so can't help you on that part.

There is a schedule in my maternity notes as to what will happen and be discussed at each appt. Do you have that?

that all sounds standard! ante-natal appts are usually (in my area) arranged at the booking appt

you don't need to ask any questions unless there is something specific you want to know tbh.
you should have a phone number in your notes that you can call if you need something.

unfortunately continuity of care isn't great in many areas!

Sounds pretty standard up until i satrted with complications. it was pee, bloods, measure tummy, listen to baby, blood pressure and see you next time. we had to arrange our own ante-natal.

Thanks all-very reassuring!

I've booked ante-natal classes recently and i'm 30 weeks. It wasn't done via the midwife though, i had to call a particular number that she gave me. Last time I saw the midwife she had a student with her so I felt like I learnt loads more than I would have otherwise. For example, she tested urine but explained exactly what they were testing for and what they would do if there were any problems rather than just saying "it's fine".

Have you bought any books to read about pregnancy yourself? That might help you think of things you might like to know/ask about.

Yes same here really, I've seen same midwife throughout but its been the usual checks and that's it. There was a breastfeeding lady there at one appt. I had to book my own antenatal classes as well and only realised because a friend told me.

That sounds exactly like my experience so far!

I'm 30 weeks, I only asked about ante-natal classes at my last appointment & the next ones aren't til the end of the month, the ones after are past my due date in January!

Guessing I should have asked earlier & got organised...looked into NCT but nothing really available til mid-Jan...baby will be here by then hopefully!

Although I didn't find out I was PG until 21 weeks so the whole thing has been stepping into the unknown & just going with the flow in a shocked haze

PS Also have seen a different midwife each time but that's kind of what I was expecting.

Your experience sounds very standard.

I've seen one of three midwives (community team). Appts are short (bar booking in), and sweet. The NHS wrote to me about my (one-day) antenatal class, pretty early one.
The NCT ones are private, you have to arrange yourself.

TBH, as much as I liked the class (on Sunday), it's not necessary. Read a decent book on pregnancy, and do a hospital tour and you'll know as much as I learned.
Good luck!